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Lotus hopes to get a boost from approved changes that are scheduled to be tested on July 2 at Mid-Ohio in preparation for the race at Toronto on July 8. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

IndyCar to allow Lotus to make engine changes

June 28, 2012

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Lotus has received permission from IndyCar to move forward with modified parts as it has been deficient to both Chevrolet and Honda in the first half of the season.

The changes, while not specified to the public, will be tested for the first time on July 2 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Many will be in effect for the July 8 race in Toronto.

Per IndyCar's new rules, engine manufacturers are permitted to request updates in mid-June and at the end of the season if they are more than 2.5 percent behind the standard bearer. In this case, Lotus is that far behind both Chevrolet and Honda with its one car, driven by Simona De Silvestro of HVM Racing.

Lotus is fielding a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged engine.

IndyCar isn't required to approve the changes, and the process of gathering information about the timing of implementation and specific parts took about 10 days. IndyCar then informed Chevrolet and Honda officials of the changes that will go into new engines only.